In Loving Memory of
Sarah Carrie Walker
(Maiden: Traplin)

of Spirit River, Alberta
April 29, 1929 - April 3, 2022

Sarah Carrie Walker, lifetime resident of Spirit River, AB and area, passed away on Sunday, April 3, 2022, in Spirit River at the age of 92 years.

Sarah was born on April 29, 1929, in Pollockville, AB. She was the eldest child of Art and Vera Traplin.

In 1931, Art and Vera, along with Sarah, made the long trip from Pollockville to Spirit River via rail, bringing cattle, horses, machinery, and lumber from the old house, and started their new life in Happy Valley, 14 miles west of Spirit River. As Sarah grew up, she became adept at things that had to be done on a homestead such as stooking and stacking bundles of grain, seeing that the cows were milked, eggs gathered, as well as household chores.

In 1947, Sarah fell in love with Laurence Walker who grew up in Bronco Creek, AB and Spirit River. They were married a year later on July 5, 1948, and started their new life together farming in Happy Valley. Sarah was very resourceful and could do anything she put her mind to. She was a hard worker, growing a large garden, raising chickens, sheep, cattle, and horses as well as raising 8 children.

Sarah was also a very good cook and seamstress. She sewed many bridesmaid dresses and wedding gowns over the years.

At a very young age, she was taught how to hunt and use a rifle. She shot her first moose in her early teens. Hunting skills proved very beneficial as she rarely missed her moose. Although at times she humbly admitted emptying her clip on a moose as he gently walked away!

On one occasion while hunting with her sister Telly, they happened to stumble upon a bear eating on a moose carcass. Because of the sudden surprise, they stood still and when the bear looked up, Telly promptly racked a shell in her gun and Sarah threw her hands up and yelled “BEAT IT”! The bear decided lunch was over and left in a hurry.

Music was a big part of Sarah’s life. She played the guitar and was a good singer. Both she and Dad came from musical backgrounds. Many good times were spent with family and friends playing music until the wee hours of the morning.

Sarah and Laurence retired from farm life in 1973 and moved to Woking, AB where they spent many years enjoying camping, fishing, and traveling. In 1994, Mom and Dad moved to Grande Prairie, AB. Dad passed away in 2008 and Mom continued living in Grande Prairie until her health caused her to move into the Pleasant View Lodge in Spirit River.

Sarah was known for being a kind and loving person, always happy and positive! After a brief illness, Sarah passed away peacefully at the Central Peace Health Complex in Spirit River. She will be sadly missed by her family and many friends.

Sarah leaves to mourn her 7 remaining children: Doug (Diane) Walker, Joyce (Bryan) Matkowski, Allen (Marion) Walker, Ted (Liane) Walker, Ivy Potrebenko, Leslie Walker, and Derek (Myrna) Walker; 23 grandchildren; 27 great-grandchildren; as well as siblings: “Telly” Thelma Keown, Betty Young, Cam Traplin, and John (Pam) Traplin.

She was predeceased by her parents Arthur and Vera Traplin, husband Laurence Walker, daughter Patricia Buck, granddaughter Lynn Spurgeon, and grandson Quinton Walker.

The family would like to thank the staff at the Central Peace Health Complex in Spirit River for the special care they gave Sarah. Also, thank you to the staff at the Pleasant View Lodge for giving Sarah a comfortable home to live in.

There will be no service at this time. The family has chosen to hold a celebration of life for Sarah at a later date.

If so desired, memorial donations may be made to the charity of one’s choice.